A needle-free COVID-19 vaccination with a sweet twist is now available in many cities in Shandong province, such as Jining, Qingdao, Zaozhuang and Jinan, and people who fear needles or appreciate convenience have rushed to vaccination centers to get their inhalable vaccinations.

A poster for inhalable COVID-19 vaccinations [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The dose is administered via a cup containing the aerosol of the vaccine. The recipient takes a deep breath from the cup, holds the breath for around five seconds and then slowly exhales.

People above 18 years old who have been completely vaccinated for at least six months can opt to have the inhaled booster vaccination. Only people who have finished the primary inoculation and have not received their first booster shot will be eligible for the inhaled vaccine.

Inhaled vaccine can produce mucosal immunity and inhibit virus colonization and propagation in the respiratory tract, said immunization experts.

The inhalable dose, like widely used vaccines delivered via injection, is not recommended for those experiencing acute symptoms of chronic illnesses or people who are allergic to components of the vaccine.

Inhalable COVID-19 vaccinations are being launched in many cities in Shandong. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A woman takes an inhalable COVID-19 vaccination at a vaccination center in Zaozhuang, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]